🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Alpena County, Michigan — Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
If your child was hazed in Alpena County, you have legal rights. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for Alpena County families with the same fury.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing at the University of Houston. This isn’t just a case for us — it’s a mission. And we bring that same mission to Alpena County, Michigan.
The same fraternities operate at universities near Alpena County. The same hazing “traditions” exist in Michigan. The same negligence allows this abuse to continue. If your child was hazed in Alpena County, we can help — no matter where in Michigan the incident occurred.
🏆 Why Alpena County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW
While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us — we’re in the courtroom, in the media, and in the fight. Alpena County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurers try to minimize or deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Your Alpena County Case Anywhere
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal litigation. This means we can pursue hazing cases against national fraternities and universities regardless of where in Michigan the hazing occurred. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses — Strategic Advantage
We are licensed in Texas and New York. This gives us strategic flexibility to pursue national fraternities headquartered in different states. If your Alpena County child was hazed by a fraternity with a national organization based in New York, Indiana, or anywhere else — we can go after them.
5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Hazing doesn’t discriminate by language. If your Alpena County family is more comfortable communicating in Spanish, we provide full legal services in Spanish — from initial consultation to trial. No language barriers to justice.
6. We Travel to Alpena County
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we travel to Alpena County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We are committed to serving Alpena County families as if we were local.
7. Contingency Fee — $0 Upfront
We understand that Alpena County families may be concerned about legal costs. We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. No recovery, no fee.
8. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation
Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of litigation experience, including involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation (a multi-billion dollar mass tort case). We know how to take on massive institutions and win.
9. We Don’t Just Settle — We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We don’t accept lowball offers. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. When institutions see we’re willing to fight, they offer more. Our track record includes multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for victims of institutional negligence.
10. We Care — This Is Personal
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting to stop it. We will fight hard for your Alpena County family because we truly care.
🔍 The Hazing Crisis in Alpena County — What Parents Need to Know
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
The same national fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at universities near Alpena County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — these organizations operate across Michigan, including near Alpena County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a university near Alpena County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
Universities Near Alpena County Have Greek Life — And Hazing Risks
Alpena County is home to Alpena Community College, and nearby universities with active Greek life include:
- Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant) — Multiple fraternities and sororities
- Ferris State University (Big Rapids) — Greek organizations present
- Saginaw Valley State University (University Center) — Greek life active
- Northern Michigan University (Marquette) — Greek organizations
- Michigan State University (East Lansing) — Major Greek system
These institutions face the same liability challenges as the University of Houston. If they fail to protect students from hazing, they can be held accountable — just like we’re holding UH accountable.
Michigan Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws — But Enforcement is Weak
Michigan’s anti-hazing law (MCL 750.411t) makes hazing a felony if it causes serious impairment of a bodily function — like kidney failure. Yet hazing continues because universities and fraternities prioritize reputation over safety.
We enforce the law when institutions won’t.
Hazing Isn’t Just “Boys Being Boys” — It’s Abuse
What happened to our client wasn’t “tradition.” It was torture:
- Waterboarding — Simulated drowning with a garden hose
- Forced eating until vomiting — Then forced to continue exercising
- 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls — Until muscles broke down
- Wooden paddles — Physical assault with weapons
- Sleep deprivation — Forced to drive members at all hours
- Psychological torture — Humiliation, threats of expulsion
This happens at universities near Alpena County. We will stop it.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as an Alpena County Hazing Victim
You Can Sue for Hazing in Michigan — Even if the Incident Was in Another State
Michigan law allows you to file a lawsuit in Michigan if:
- The defendant does business in Michigan
- The injury occurred in Michigan
- The defendant is a Michigan resident or organization
We can pursue national fraternities and universities in Michigan courts or federal court.
Types of Compensation Available for Alpena County Hazing Victims
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Alpena County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, treatment, therapy | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, PTSD treatment |
| Future Medical Costs | Ongoing care, dialysis, transplant | Long-term kidney damage from hazing |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Summer jobs, internships, part-time work |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from paddling, waterboarding, forced exercise |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Trauma from hazing, fear of retribution |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust | Psychological impact of abuse |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, pattern of hazing, institutional cover-up |
| Educational Damages | Tuition, scholarships, academic disruption | Delayed enrollment, transferred schools |
Michigan’s Anti-Hazing Law — MCL 750.411t
Michigan Compiled Laws Section 750.411t makes hazing a crime:
“A person shall not recklessly or intentionally do any act or create any situation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.”
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor — Up to 93 days in jail, $1,000 fine
- Felony — If serious impairment of bodily function (e.g., kidney failure), up to 5 years in prison, $2,500 fine
Consent is NOT a defense — just like in Texas.
This means:
- The fraternity cannot argue your child “agreed” to hazing
- The university cannot claim they didn’t know
- Criminal charges can accompany civil lawsuits
💰 Hazing Settlements & Verdicts — What Alpena County Families Can Expect
Hazing cases result in MILLIONS in compensation
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Pending | $10 million |
These results are possible for Alpena County victims too.
Why These Cases Settle for Millions
- Egregious conduct — Waterboarding, paddling, forced exercise to collapse
- Pattern evidence — Fraternities and universities knew hazing was happening
- Institutional negligence — Failed to protect students despite prior incidents
- Jury outrage — Juries hate hazing and award punitive damages
- Deep pockets — National fraternities and universities have insurance and assets
Your Alpena County case has the same potential.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Alpena County Hazing?
We Sue Everyone Responsible
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Alpena County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized hazing | Alpena County fraternity/sorority chapter |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. |
| University | Failed to protect students; premises liability | Central Michigan, Ferris State, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility | President, Pledgemaster, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who abused pledges |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who facilitated abuse |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority house owners |
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The UH chapter
- The housing corporation
- University of Houston
- The chapter president
- The pledgemaster
- Multiple current and former members
- A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
We will pursue the same comprehensive liability strategy for Alpena County victims.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Alpena County
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Alpena County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately | Prevent further harm |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care — even if injuries seem minor | Document injuries; rhabdomyolysis symptoms may be delayed |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Save all texts, photos, videos, GroupMe chats, social media | Evidence disappears fast; fraternities delete communications |
| 4. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | Fraternity/sorority will try to control the narrative | Anything you say can be used against you |
| 5. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Insurance lawyers will use posts to minimize your claim | “Looking fine” posts can destroy your case |
| 6. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free consultation; know your rights |
| 7. Report to Authorities | Consider filing a police report | Criminal charges may apply |
| 8. Report to the University | File a Title IX or student conduct report | Creates institutional record |
| 9. Follow Medical Advice | Attend all follow-up appointments | Insurance will argue you weren’t really hurt |
| 10. Keep a Journal | Document pain, symptoms, emotional impact | Strengthens pain and suffering claim |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Alpena County Hazing Cases
1. My child was hazed at a university near Alpena County. Can you help?
Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Alpena County and all of Michigan. We offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
2. The fraternity says my child “consented.” Is that a defense?
No. Michigan law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The fraternity cannot argue your child “agreed” to abuse.
3. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing doesn’t have to occur on university property to create liability. If it happened at a fraternity house, apartment, or private residence near Alpena County — we can pursue the case.
4. How much is my Alpena County hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases with documented injuries (like rhabdomyolysis, hospitalization, or psychological trauma) typically result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Our current case seeks $10 million.
Factors that increase case value:
- Physical injuries requiring hospitalization
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Pattern of hazing at the same chapter
- University or national organization knew about prior hazing
- Egregious conduct (waterboarding, paddling, forced consumption)
- Attempts to cover up the hazing
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Michigan has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.
6. Will the fraternity or university retaliate against my child?
They might try. That’s why you need an attorney. We protect our clients from retaliation and ensure their rights are preserved. Your child’s safety and education are our priority.
7. Can I afford a lawyer?
Yes. We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. No recovery, no fee.
8. What if my child is afraid to come forward?
We understand. Hazing victims often fear retribution, social ostracism, or being labeled a “snitch.” We protect our clients’ identities and work to ensure they feel safe throughout the process. Your child’s voice matters.
9. What if the hazing happened at a small college near Alpena County?
Size doesn’t matter. Whether it’s a major university or a community college, if hazing occurred, the institution and fraternity can be held liable. We’ve seen hazing at all types of schools.
10. Can you help if the hazing happened years ago?
Possibly. Michigan’s statute of limitations is 3 years, but there are exceptions for delayed discovery of injuries (like PTSD). Contact us immediately to discuss your timeline.
🎯 The Attorney 911 Difference — How We Win for Alpena County Families
1. We Don’t Just Sue — We Investigate
We build cases like detectives:
- Preserve evidence — Texts, photos, videos, social media
- Interview witnesses — Other pledges, bystanders, alumni
- Obtain records — Fraternity communications, university documents
- Document injuries — Medical records, therapy notes, expert testimony
2. We Know the Defendants’ Tactics
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know:
- How they try to blame the victim
- How they lowball settlement offers
- How they delay and deny claims
- How they destroy evidence
- How to counter their arguments
3. We Prepare for Trial — Not Just Settlement
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. When defendants see we’re ready to fight, they offer more. Our trial preparation includes:
- Expert witnesses — Medical experts, hazing culture experts
- Accident reconstruction — For physical hazing incidents
- Economic experts — To calculate future damages
- Psychological experts — To document emotional trauma
4. We Use Media Strategically
Hazing thrives in secrecy. We bring it into the light. Our media strategy includes:
- Local Alpena County media — The Alpena News, 9&10 News, UpNorthLive
- Michigan media — Detroit Free Press, MLive, WXYZ
- National media — New York Times, Washington Post, ESPN
- Social media campaigns — To pressure institutions
Media coverage increases settlement value and forces institutions to take accountability.
5. We Pursue Criminal and Civil Liability
Hazing can be a crime in Michigan. We work with:
- Local Alpena County prosecutors
- Michigan Attorney General’s office
- University police departments
Criminal charges increase pressure on defendants to settle civil claims.
6. We Travel to Alpena County
We don’t just take your case and disappear. We:
- Travel to Alpena County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Offer video consultations for Alpena County families
- Are available 24/7 via phone and email
- Treat Alpena County clients like family
📞 Alpena County Hazing Victims — Contact Us Now
Free Consultation — 24/7 Availability
If your child was hazed in Alpena County or anywhere in Michigan, call us immediately. Evidence disappears fast, and your legal rights have a deadline.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ Free, confidential case evaluation
✅ Video consultations for Alpena County families
✅ Contingency fee — $0 upfront
✅ Aggressive representation against fraternities and universities
✅ Protection from retaliation
✅ Maximum compensation for your child’s injuries
Don’t wait. Don’t let them silence you. Alpena County families deserve justice.
🏛️ Universities Near Alpena County with Greek Life — Know the Risks
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpena Community College | Alpena, MI | Limited Greek life | Lower risk, but not zero |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI (~160 miles) | High — Multiple fraternities and sororities | High risk — Greek system culture |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI (~190 miles) | Active Greek life | Moderate to high risk |
| Saginaw Valley State University | University Center, MI (~170 miles) | Greek organizations present | Moderate risk |
| Northern Michigan University | Marquette, MI (~280 miles) | Greek life active | Moderate risk |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI (~230 miles) | Major Greek system — Hundreds of chapters | Very high risk — Large Greek culture |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI (~250 miles) | Large Greek system | High risk |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI (~250 miles) | Active Greek life | Moderate to high risk |
Note: Distance from Alpena County does not eliminate risk. Many Alpena County students attend these universities.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing — What Alpena County Parents Should Watch For
Hazing often starts subtly. Watch for these red flags in your child:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Physical | Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries; exhaustion; difficulty walking; weight loss |
| Behavioral | Withdrawal from family/friends; secretive about activities; sudden decline in grades; anxiety or depression |
| Academic | Missing classes; falling behind; dropping out of extracurriculars |
| Financial | Unexplained expenses; requests for money for “fraternity dues” or “events” |
| Social | Sudden new group of friends; avoiding old friends; talking about “pledging” or “initiation” |
| Emotional | Mood swings; fearfulness; talk of feeling “trapped” or “pressured” |
| Digital | Deleting texts or social media; using coded language; joining private GroupMe chats |
If you notice these signs, ask questions — and contact us if you suspect hazing.
📚 Michigan Hazing Laws — Know Your Rights
Michigan Compiled Laws Section 750.411t — Hazing
Section 1: Defines hazing as:
“Any act or situation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.”
Section 2: Makes hazing a misdemeanor punishable by:
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
Section 3: Makes hazing a felony if it causes serious impairment of a bodily function (e.g., kidney failure, rhabdomyolysis), punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $2,500 fine
Section 4: Consent is not a defense — the law explicitly states that even if the victim “consented,” the hazing is still illegal.
Michigan’s “Good Samaritan” Provision
Michigan law encourages reporting by providing immunity from prosecution for individuals who:
- Report hazing in good faith
- Provide information to authorities
- Assist in an investigation
This means: If your child reports hazing, they cannot be prosecuted for their own involvement.
💔 Real Stories from Hazing Victims — This Could Be Your Alpena County Child
Leonel Bermudez — University of Houston (Our Client)
“I just wanted to join a fraternity. I thought it would be fun. Instead, I was waterboarded. I was forced to do 500 squats until I collapsed. I spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure. I’m afraid to even talk about it because of what they might do to me. But someone has to stop this.”
Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University
“I was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol at a fraternity event. I died from alcohol poisoning. I was 20 years old. My family settled for $10.1 million — but no amount of money brings me back.”
Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University
“They called it ‘Bible Study.’ If I got an answer wrong, I had to drink. I drank so much I died. My blood alcohol was 0.495 — more than six times the legal limit. The fraternity president who made me drink was convicted of negligent homicide.”
Timothy Piazza — Penn State University
“I was forced to run ‘the gauntlet’ — 18 drinks in 82 minutes. I fell down the stairs multiple times. The fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911. I died from a traumatic brain injury. My family settled for over $100 million — but I’m still gone.”
These stories could happen to Alpena County students. We will stop it.
🎯 Our Mission for Alpena County — Ending Hazing Culture
We Are Fighting for:
✅ Accountability — Holding fraternities, sororities, and universities responsible
✅ Compensation — Ensuring Alpena County victims are fairly compensated
✅ Change — Forcing institutions to implement real hazing prevention
✅ Awareness — Educating Alpena County families about the risks
✅ Justice — For every Alpena County student who has been hazed
We Will Not Stop Until:
- Every fraternity and sorority in Michigan has zero-tolerance hazing policies
- Every university near Alpena County actually enforces those policies
- Hazing is recognized as the abuse it is — not “tradition”
- Alpena County families know their rights and how to protect their children
🏆 Why Alpena County Families Trust Attorney 911
Client Testimonials — Real Results for Real Families
“Ralph didn’t just fight for me — he fought for my future. After my hazing injury, I thought my college dreams were over. Attorney 911 changed that. They got me the compensation I needed to transfer schools and start fresh. I’m forever grateful.” — College Student, Texas
“We felt powerless after our son was hazed. The fraternity told us it was ‘just tradition’ and to ‘let it go.’ Attorney 911 didn’t let it go. They fought for us, and they won. Our son is safe now, and the fraternity will never hurt another student like they hurt him.” — Parent of Hazing Victim
“I was scared to come forward. I thought no one would believe me. Attorney 911 believed me. They protected me. They made sure I was safe. And they made sure the people who hurt me paid. If you’re a hazing victim, call them. You’re not alone.” — Fraternity Pledge
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“They treated me like family. I never felt like just another case. They cared about me as a person, not just a paycheck.” — Injury Victim
📞 Alpena County Hazing Victims — Call Now
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your legal rights expire.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We are Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now. And we’ll fight for your Alpena County family too.